2001 Stephen Ross Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

About fifteen years ago there was a great French Bistro in town that featured delicious food and intriguing wines. The restaurant partnered with a local wine shop to bring in small production wineries from California for a few truly awesome wine dinners.

One of those dinners was with Stephen Ross Winery, featuring their limited production wines made from the highest quality fruit found in some very sought after vineyards.

At the time, we bought a few cases of several of the wines – some Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. The wines were awesome and deserved some cellar time.

Well, tonight we opened the 2001 Pinot Noir from the Bien Nacido vineyard and I can safely say that this wine is still incredible after 17 years in bottle.

Bright fruit with floral hints. Jammy on the palate with deep, red berry fruit. Long finish with a spicy aftertaste. I would guess that this wine will continue to improve for many years to come. Pleasantly surprised, as my personal experience suggests that West Coast Pinot Noir does not age well…

The not so good news… current vintage of the Bien Nacido is selling for $42/per bottle from the winery… not cheap, but the 2001 suggests exceptional quality!